PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO-After selling out the first tower in a matter of days, a US-based partnership has begun offering units for the second phase of a $200-million condominium complex designed by acclaimed architect Philippe Starck. ICON Vallarta fetched more than $70 million in the opening round of sales, as 130 units changed hands at rates of $200,000 to more than $1 million, prompting the owners to move up the groundbreaking of the first tower to last Friday and begin marketing the second building.

"The success of the initial sales event of ICON Vallarta exemplifies the emerging trend of international buyers seeking dynamic, exclusive homes," says Related Group chairman Jorge Perez, whose Miami-based firm is developing the five-acre, 343-unit oceanfront complex in partnership with the Chartwell Group of Mexico. Many of the buyers hail from the US and Mexico, says Perez, praising Starck's involvement for enhancing interest in the property. Related Group is developing the Mexico project through its affiliate, Related International.

ICON Vallarta has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units that will be incorporated into three towers. Open, two-story lobbies will be incorporated into each structure, buildings that the developers describe as offering "a surreal ambiance" provided by Starck's unique design concepts. The French designer is known for such cutting-edge projects as the NW8 in London, Downtown by Starck in New York City, and two other ICON projects at Miami and South Beach in Florida.

Exterior design is being provided by another internationally recognized specialist, Bernardo Fort-Brescia from Arquitectonica. The 3.5-acres of open space will include lavish gardens, Mexican art sculptures and a massive lounge deck anchored by a 400-foot infinity-edge pool. Developers are also promoting the property's location close to Puerto Vallarta's Downtown, an area that includes a vibrant arts, cultural and dining scene.